Liverpool FC winger Stewart Downing hoping to carry on good form for England and backs Steven Gerrard to captain his country

STEWART DOWNING didn’t want to leave Wembley on Sunday, and it’s no wonder.

Stewart Downing crowns his Carling Cup Cup final performance by scoring in the penalty shoot-out

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STEWART DOWNING didn’t want to leave Wembley on Sunday, and it’s no wonder.

The winger, still struggling to fully win over Liverpool supporters following his £20m summer move to Anfield, produced the best performance of his Reds career to date, picking up the official Man of the Match award as his side picked up the Carling Cup with a hard-fought victory over Cardiff City.

Tomorrow, he hopes to continue that form for his country as England, under the caretaker guidance of Stuart Pearce, entertain the Netherlands in a re-arranged international friendly.

Downing is still buzzing after picking up the first medal of his Anfield career, and admits the size of the Wembley pitch suits his style of play.

“Yesterday’s performance was one of my best for Liverpool,” he said.

“Wembley is a big pitch, which is good for the wide players. I enjoyed it, and it made it even better that we won.”

Downing’s inclusion in Kenny Dalglish’s starting line-up – at the expense of the in-form Craig Bellamy – was viewed as something as a surprise.

The former Aston Villa winger, by his own admission, has not been at his best since moving to Merseyside, contributing just one goal and one assist all season. But he says he is happy to play his way back into form through hard work.

“Football is not always plain-sailing,” he said. “It is up and down, and it is about how you react when you are not playing well.

“You have to fight for your place, which is what I have done. The manager doesn’t want people to sulk because they are not playing.”

Downing admits Liverpool made life hard for themselves against Malky Mackay’s spirited Cardiff. The Reds trailed early on, then were pegged back after edging ahead in extra-time.

And when both Steven Gerrard and Charlie Adam failed to convert from the spot in the penalty shoot-out, things looked bleak for Dalglish’s side.

“When we missed the first two penalties I thought maybe it wasn’t going to be our day,” admitted Downing. “Especially because they are our main two penalty takers. But we got there in the end.”

Downing himself stayed calm to convert his own kick, though would later confess he was a bag of nerves before doing so.

The 27-year-old, however, says he is happy to secure a medal in his first season at Anfield.

“It was an unbelievable day,” he added. “I wanted to come here and perform well. I’m pleased with my performance, I’m pleased the team has won. It’s onwards and upwards for us now.”

Now Downing will turn his attention to tomorrow night’s friendly clash against the Dutch.

He could line up alongside club colleague Dirk Kuyt, while Reds team-mates Glen Johnson and Steven Gerrard will also hope to be involved for England.

Indeed, Gerrard is likely to captain the side, and Downing has tipped his club skipper to take over the mantle on a full-time basis, with Euro 2012 on the horizon.

“He’s captained Liverpool for many years and done very well,” he said. “And if picked for England would do that job well too.

“He’s a big player for Liverpool and England, has a great influence on England and drives teams on so if he is given the captaincy then great.

“He certainly has a lot to offer. I’ve not spoken to Steven about if he will retire after the tournament. I’ll be selfish and I hope he stays on!”

Tomorrow’s game, of course, will be England’s first since the departure of Fabio Capello. The Italian left his post earlier this month after rowing with FA chiefs over their decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy amid allegations the Chelsea defender had racially abused QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

Downing, though, says there will be no distractions for England players.

“Every time a new manager comes in it’s a fresh start for us,” he said. “It’s a challenge to impress a manager and you need challenges in football to keep you going.

“I think we have to be strong-minded and concentrate on the games. The FA will take care of the new manager, at the moment Stuart Pearce is in charge and we are right behind him.

“I think every one is touting (Tottenham boss) Harry (Redknapp), he’s obviously the favourite to get the job. If he gets the job the players will obviously do their best, but at the moment it’s Stuart Pearce.”